JETBLAST: WINNIPEG @ ANAHEIM

JETBLAST

The last time Winnipeg travelled to Anaheim the Ducks had yet to lose in regulation on home ice all season. The Jets came in and shocked everyone by beating the Ducks 3-2. That was of course during their run at the start of the Paul Maurice era, a time where it looked like the Jets could make a real run at a playoff spot. Just a couple months later though everything has changed, The loss, although breaking a streak for Duck, has not hurt them in the long run, they are still a cup contender and have a good hold on a Pacific Division title. The Jets on the other hand did not build on that streak before the Olympic break, and a poor March has all but sunk them. Ducks will be looking for some revenge on home ice, plus a big two points, Lets Go!

Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks are a team that seems to be near the top of the Western Conference every season, and this year is no different. With their leaders, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, coming off gold medals in Russia, they now look to add another Stanley Cup to their trophy cases. The Ducks currently sit in first in the Pacific. They are a single point up on the Sharks for that spot as well as holding two games in hand. If they can hold on to this division a first round match up with the Minnesota Wild is almost assured. The other story line always worth mentioning when these teams hook up is Teemu Selanne. Selanne, who started his career in Winnipeg and has become a local favorite, will likely be playing his last game ever against a Winnipeg opponent. With retirement looming Jets fans get their last chance to watch Teemu live.

Jets

The California swing that the Jets find themselves at the end of has been hit and miss for them. A win in San Jose had them looking very strong, however that was followed up by a dismal performance Saturday in L.A. where the Jets were dominated. Saturday also marked the return to the lineup of Ondrej Pavelec, unfortunately for him it was not his best performance, and more fuel has been added to the fire and goaltending controversy sure to come this summer. The last week and a half will be interesting in that respect, who will start in goal? Montoya is still there as well as the recently recalled Michael Hutchinson. With only 7 games left this season, there are many Jets players who are competing for roster spots, and every shift will be important.

Keys to the Game

Finish Strong: The playoffs are out of reach but Jets fans still want to see their team compete, and there is still plenty on the line. Go out there and play your game.

Goaltending: In his return to the line up Ondrej Pavelec gave up 3 goals on 16 shots in the first period and did not return for the second. Whomever does get the start needs to be far better for the Jets if they choose to win.

Earn Spots: The Jets added 3 players from their AHL roster before this contest, Michael Hutchinson, Ben Chariot, and Zach Redmond will all be with the team. These guys as well as some young guys filling in for injury are playing for spots next season, they need to be good for the team, as well as themselves.